An Israeli airstrike killed a Palestinian man, his wife, and their two daughters in northern Gaza on Thursday, according to Gaza health officials. The girls were 8 and 12 years old.
The strike hit the family’s home during the early hours of the morning. Local residents said the attack came around 2 a.m., while the family slept.
The incident came as Israeli forces increased airstrikes across Gaza over the previous two days. The attacks have also forced more families to leave their homes, according to residents and medical workers.
Quick Facts
| What happened | An Israeli airstrike reportedly killed a couple and their two daughters. |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Gaza Strip |
| When | Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| Victims | A man, his wife, and two daughters aged 8 and 12. |
| Israeli claim | The Israeli military said it targeted a military structure and killed a Hamas operative. |
| Ceasefire | A ceasefire remains in place, but Israeli strikes have continued. |
| Wider impact | Recent strikes have damaged homes and forced families to leave their areas. |
Israeli Strike Kills Gaza Family of Four
The Israeli military said its forces targeted what it described as a military structure. It identified the man killed in the strike as Muamen Ahmed.
According to the military, Ahmed took part directly in fighting against Israeli forces. It also accused him of helping advance attacks against Israeli troops.
The military did not mention his wife or the two children in its statement.
Gaza health officials and relatives confirmed Ahmed’s death. They did not comment on the Israeli military’s allegations about his activities.
At Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, relatives and friends gathered to mourn the family. The bodies were prepared for burial after the attack.
A neighbour, Zuhair Al Haisami, said the airstrike hit the family’s home during the night.
He said residents continue to face attacks despite the ceasefire.
Gaza Homes Hit by Israeli Strikes
Residents and medical workers reported several strikes across Gaza during the previous two days.
At least six homes were reportedly hit. Nearby buildings and tent shelters also suffered damage.
Residents said some families received calls ordering them to leave before missiles struck their areas.
The Israeli military said it had carried out strikes in three areas of Gaza. It also said its forces destroyed three Hamas weapons storage sites.
Israeli security forces separately said they had dismantled three more weapons depots linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Ismail Al Thawabta, director of the Gaza government media office, rejected Israel’s claims. He said Israeli forces were targeting civilians and their homes.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
A U.S. backed ceasefire that began in October 2025 stopped much of the large scale fighting. However, Israeli strikes have continued.
Negotiators have also made limited progress toward a permanent settlement.
Hamas has accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire. The group also says Israel is blocking efforts to carry out a wider U.S. plan for ending the Gaza conflict.
Israel, meanwhile, accuses Hamas of violating the agreement.
The proposed plan includes an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.
Gaza health officials say more than 1,300 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began. They say most of those killed were civilians.
The Israeli military says four Israeli soldiers have died during the same period.
Hamas generally does not publish separate figures for fighters killed in the conflict.
Since the war began, Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s military campaign.
The conflict began after Hamas led attacks on Israel in 2023. Israeli figures say about 1,200 people died and 251 people were taken hostage during those attacks.
Continued Strikes Threaten Gaza Ceasefire
The latest strike highlights the fragile nature of the Gaza ceasefire.
Families continue to face airstrikes, displacement, and damage to residential areas. The latest reports also show how difficult it remains to move from a temporary ceasefire toward a lasting peace agreement.
The competing claims from Israel and Palestinian officials also underline the difficulty of independently verifying individual strikes during the conflict.
Gaza Ceasefire Faces Continued Pressure
Further Israeli military operations remain possible as both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
The humanitarian situation will also remain a major concern as displaced families face continued uncertainty.
Israel says its attacks target Hamas military positions and operatives. Palestinian officials accuse Israel of targeting civilians. The conflicting claims remain central to the wider dispute over the ceasefire.
